While I'm new to RE, my strengths are in risk modeling, analysis and automation. 

That story was point out that many "middle skilled" kinds of jobs have been automated or outsourced away.

Now that my AirB&B business is fully automated, I'm setting my eye on a new BHAG. 

Within 10 years, there will be less real estate agents, appraisals will become more automated and there will be less mortgage brokers. 

Fortunately after calling a medium sized bank (I found fifty thousand dollar property sell price restriction) I called a small bank and they asked for valid documents to run through the automated system.

Alternatively, automate the entire process and get out of the game of meeting people at the property so you can turn over more people seeing the place in order to narrow down the 10 to 1 ratio you need to find your ideal tenant. 

There online automated process is simple.

Really easy to visualize deals through the system and you can automate everything you don't want to do yourself

Now there is wonderful pm software for owners that allows you to manage yourself and automate most functions. 

Used mint.com's budgeting tools to streamline finances (this was/is invaluable to me- it's goal setting is automated and simple as logging on to check my progress) NOT AFFILIATED IN ANYWAY, I JUST LIKE THE SERVICE AND IT'S FREE 4.